Mt. Fuji - I Made It To The Top!
I've wanted to climb Mt. Fuji since coming to Japan. I tried once before a couple of years ago, but had to turn back. The Fuji climbing season is short - July 10th to September 10th, and the weather makes it even more difficult. I had been watching the Mt. Fuji weather forecast and decided Saturday the 17th would be the best weather day.
I started out early and it was a pretty day. It was fairly warm for the elevation and somewhat windy.
There are four trails up to the top. I chose the Fujinomiya Trail, which is the steepest (29.8%) and the shortest, starting at 2400 meters. (The least steep and longest trail is the Gotemba trail at 23.1%, starting at 1440 meters.)
Being a nice weather weekend day, there were plenty of other people out with me.
The Top! I was almost there.
This is it! 3776 meters. I was finally there. I walked around, took some pictures, and mailed some post cards at the highest post office in Japan.
Walking up was difficult, but going back down was even more so. My legs felt like cooked spaghetti and my knees just wanted to buckle.
This might be the most difficult physical thing I've ever done. I'm really happy I was able to make it to the top (and make it back down)!
If you are thinking of climbing Mt. Fuji, check out Gary J. Wolff's website for lots of great information. Mountain Forecast.com is the weather site I used. Other bits of advice - bring some garden gloves to wear. The volcanic rocks are sharp. Remember to bring some lip balm. The wind really dried out my lips. Trekking poles would have been useful. Bring more water than you think you will drink. I brought 2 1/2 liters and drank all of it plus I paid 500 yen for another small bottle of water on my way down.
And - don't give up!
18 comments:
Congratulations!!!
xx
Oh My Goodness, Pam, heartful congratulations, this is such a GREAT accomplishment. I'm so happy for you, and proud too. BIG (((HUGS)))
NADINE
Kudos to you! Well Done!
WELL DONE!
I am so glad you finally made it to the top. Wasn't it wonderful? When I climbed in 1984 we started at midnight and climbed all night to see the sunrise from the top. The stars were more beautiful than diamonds, and so near!
Like you I found climbing down the hardest part. My legs were painful for a long time afterwards, so I know how you must feel.
Congratulations. What an achievement. Another thing to tick of the to do list in life.
Well done, a great achievement.
I’m glad you were able to make it to the top this time. Isn’t the post office at the top just the coolest thing?
I, too, found going down to be much more painful than going up. It’s a fantastic experience though and a memory you will treasure!
My unforgettable memory is: when I was going down, someone coming up called out my name. What? Who in the world knows me up here? It turned out to be my host sister’s husband! What a place to bump into a friend!! :-)
Congratulations!! Such a great achievement to have under your belt. :)
Congratulations on achieving that!
Your views of the tops of clouds look more like the view from a plane, showing just how high you had to climb.
Hi Pamela omg well done you,thats amazing and boy what a view,lol thats awesome that there was a PO at the post,great pics,well done Pamela xx
Beautiful photos!
Yay you!! I remember when you posted about the first climb attempt. Your pictures are gorgeous. I've been thinking it would be cool for you to stitch a block for each of your excursions to various places and shrines. Kind of a memory quilt.
xx, Carol
You made it! I'm so proud of you. The pictures from your way up are awesome. I don't do well with steep paths at all, so I'm very impressed with your achievement.
Pamela: Congratulations: I had to show Mike he is happy you did the climb, did you get your stick marked at each check-in level? jus curious after 45 years Mikes stitch still sits in the office by the computer desk.
Congratulations I hope you had loads of fun.
Catherine
Yes, congratulations, what a view and what a work out!
And I can imagine your legs did feel like cooked spaghetti.
That's good you have photos of your adventure.
Wow! Well done, Pamela! That is an achievement!
Wonderful photos!
Barbara xx
Bravo! Bravo! And more Bravo! I am so impressed! The photos are magnificent but all the more so is your accomplishment. To do the hardest thing you've ever done is really a jaw dropper of joy!
This is amazing! Congratulations!
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